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Claflin News

In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at Emanuel AME Church and the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the state’s capitol building, we are now confronted with the question, where do we go from here?
During the somber days following the event, I communicated with Governor Nikki Haley, legislators and other leaders to express the University’s deep concern regarding the hate crime and senseless act that claimed the lives of nine individuals. The Claflin family subsequently assembled in the University’s James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel to conduct a prayer vigil in honor of the victims. We also prayed for the families and relatives of the victims, noting that it will take time for the healing to begin, but the thoughts and prayers of the Claflin family will be with them well into the future.

It comes as no surprise that Claflin University was honored as the 2015 HBCU of the Year and Alumni Association of the Year by HBCU Digest at its annual AARP HBCU Awards presentation on June 10. The recognition is clearly the result of a remarkable year. Claflin experienced a showcase of achievements that reflects its leadership in higher education. The award marked the second consecutive year Claflin ​received top honors among all HBCUs. Claflin was ranked the top HBCU in the nation by Washington Monthly in 2014.

Dr. Belinda Wheeler, an assistant professor of English in Claflin University’s Department of English and Foreign Languages recently learned that her latest book, A Companion to Australian Aboriginal Literature (hard cover edition), reached the No. 1 position on Amazon.com's bestseller list for the category "Australian and Oceania Literary Criticism."

Since its inception in 1869, Claflin University has offered high-quality academic programs at its main campus in Orangeburg, S.C. Nearly a decade ago, the University’s Center of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS) began classes at Fort Jackson Army Base in Columbia. And in the fall of 2014, Claflin launched its online degree program, which provides students balancing families and careers the convenience of earning a Claflin degree without attending classes in Orangeburg or Ft. Jackson-Columbia.

Claflin University and the Gammon Theological Seminary continued its tradition of fellowship and support during the annual Claflin-Gammon Alumni Fellowship Dinner held Tuesday, June 9, in Florence, S.C. The dinner is held during the South Carolina United Methodist Church Annual Conference.